Tissue dispenser



Sept. 8, 1953 J. w. FAY

TISSUE DISPENSER Filed April 29, 1952 .mercial merit.

Patented Sept. 8, 1953 UNITED STATES rA'rENT OFFICE,

TISSUE DISPENSER Joseph W. Fay, Villa Park, 111., assignor of onehalf to IrWi'nJ. Mendels, Evanston, 111'.

Application April 29, 1952, -Serial-N0.-284,971

- The present invention relates to improvements in tissue dispensers and is particularly directed to improved containers for facial tissues wherein provision is made for dispensing the tissues one at a time.

Heretofore, developments in the art have been directed to the provision of interfolded sheets of tissue whereby withdrawal of one sheet from a container would effect partial withdrawal of the next succeeding sheet so that the said next. suc- "cases, the containers have included portions for .frictionally engaging the said next succeeding sheet to accommodate only partial withdrawal thereof Most of these developments have failed to be practical and only one has presented com- According to the said one development, the

sheets must be interfolded in a particular mannor, the box or container must have portions of a particular design to grasp and vfrictionally resist withdrawal of the sheets and the sheets must ;viate the need for interfolded tissues andinvolved production steps and yet provide means for readily dispensing the tissues one at a time.

There are presently available on the openmarket various brands of facial tissues. wherein the tissues are not interfolded, but. are. each folded in such manner as to present a free edgeadapted to be grasped to accommodate removal of each sheet from the container. However, it is difiicult to grasp this free edge due to the coherence. or afiinity of the adjoining surfaces of the sheet. It is an object of the present inventionlto provide novel container means adapted for the reception of folded facial tissues and including means for separating the adjoining surfaces of each. sheet and for elevating, or presenting to the ready grasp, the free edge of each sheet According to the prwent invention,. Iprovide a container adapted for the reception of facial tissues having at least a single fold, the container :having an opening through which the tissues may be withdrawn and including means disposed in coacting relation to the folds in the tissues and operable to blow a gust of air :into the fold to displace the folded portion of thetissues for convenient removal from the container. In particular, I provide a container including wallmeans, preferably the top Wall of the box, comprising 5 Claims. (Cl. 206- 57) a movable flap adapted to. be moved toward the interior of the box. The free edge of the flap is disposed inwardly ofthe free edge of the folded portion of the tissues so that as the fiap is depressed by the fingers of the user, a gust of air is blown under thefree edge of the tissue to separate and elevate the folded portion of the tissue for ready grasping. The flap is. so designed that depression of the flap and grasping of the elevated edge of the. tissue may be effected in one continuous movement.

The container of the. present invention preferablyeomprises a disposable cardboard carton in which the tissues are originally packaged and sold. The top and front walls of the container are provided withfold and tear lines so that certain portions of the box may be severed and/or removed co-provide the withdrawing opening and the flexible top wall or flap described hereinbefore. However, it will be appreciated as the description proceeds that the dispensing container may be formed of more permanently usable materials and comprise a dispenser adapted for repeated filling with tissues.

Afurther object of the invention is the provision in the container of wall portions for en'- hancing the air' blowing characteristic of the flap and for confining or vdirecting the gust of air to theappropriate portion of the tissue.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Figure. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable dispenser as the same is s'uppliedto a user filled with tissue;

Figure 2 isa perspective'view of the dispenser in open position andlready for use;

Figure, 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser shown. in Figures 1 and 2 showing the folded tissues and the manner of use of the dispenser; and.

Figure 4 is a. perspective view of a dispenser without the top. wall corner portions of the embodiment. of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3.v

Referring now to the drawings, the dispenser of the present invention is. shown as comprising a container I0 of generally box-like form having a top-wall. I2, a front wall I4, side walls [6, a back wall 18 and a bottom wall 20. The box [0 may be formed of cardboard or paperboard in any conventional manner with the exception of the formation :of the top and front walls thereof.

The box is preferably formed of one piece of paperboard folded and glued or otherwise secured together in any manner conventional to the box making art.

The top wall i2 of the box is joined, preferably formed integrally, with the back wall I8 and a score line 22 is provided to form the edge between the back and top walls. As will become more clearly apparent hereinafter, the score line 22 may be formed in either the back wall, or in the front wall, or at the juncture of the two walls. A longitudinal tear line 24, generally parallel to the score line 22, is provided in the top wall I2 of the box. The tear line 24, and likewise all of the other tear lines to be described hereinafter, are formed by conventional perforated lines. Extending from the score line 22 to the tear line 24 at each side of the box is a tear line 26 formed in the top wall to define a generally V-shaped portion of the top wall adjacent each side wall It that is to be removed from the top wall. Transversely of the tear line 24, a continuous tear line 28 is provided in the top and front walls of the box to define a generally elliptical portion of the front and top walls that is to be removed. The tear line 28 also defines a central tab 30 in the central portion of the front wall [4, which tab defines the point at which tearing is to be commenced.

In use, the box It! is assembled and is filled with tissue in any usual manner. For example, the tissues may be inserted through the bottom wall or through one of the side walls after which the box is closed and sealed in a customary manner. The box H] as filled with tissue is then sold to the consumer or user in the state or condition shown in Figure 1.- The user, to open the dispenser, pushes inwardly on the tab 39 to start the tear. Thereafter, an upward force is exerted on the tab to tear the box along the tear lines 28, 24 and 26. After the tearing, the V-shaped portions at each side of the box in the top wall thereof are removed and the portion of the top and front walls defined by the tear line 28 is removed along the tear line 24. After these operations have been completed, the box is in condition for use, as is shown in Figure 2. The portion of the box removed along the tear line 28 defines an opening 32 in the front and top walls of the box which provides a view of the supply of tissues in the box and provides for ease in removing the.

tissues from the box.

In its preferred embodiment, the tear lines are disposed generally as described hereinbefore' so as to provide top wall portions 34 connected to the front and side walls of the box at the two front corners thereof. The tear line 24 and the tear line 26 define movable wall means or a flap portion 36, which flap 36 is hingedly connected to the back wall N3 of the box by means of the score line 22. As will be appreciated, the score line 22 may be provided either in the back wall 18, the top wall 12, or at the juncture of the two walls as is shown in the drawings. As is shown in Figures 2 and 3, the box Ill is filled with facial tissues, each of which comprises a main portion and two edge portions folded over the top of the main portion. The tissues are entirely conventional in form and tissues of the general character having the folds described are presently available on the market. The tissues may be either single or double-ply as desired. According to the present invention, the tissues need not have two folded portions as shown in Figure 3, but may be provided merely with a single folded tissue in the box creates a current or gust of air which, due to the surface presented by the tissue, is blown or directed under the folded forward or front edge portion of the tissue. The gust or current of air separates the folded portion of the tissue from the main portion thereof and elevates the free edge of the tissue, as is shown in Figure 3, for ready grasping so that the top tissue may be removed from the box. The top wall portions 34 at each of the two front comers of the box confine the air within the box and direct the gust or current of air under the free forward edge of the top tissue to provide the action stated.

In addition to the foregoing, the dispenser of the present invention is adapted for use in a particular manner so that the tissues may be quickly and conveniently dispensed one by one without requiring interfolding of the sheets. As shown in Figure 3, the flap 36 is arranged to be engaged by the outside or nail portion of the users fingers. If the user rapidly depresses the flap 36 with the back side of his fingers, the flap 36 is depressed to blow air under the folded edge portion of the top tissue. Then, as the flap 36 hits the top tissue, the inclination of the flap cams the user's fingers under the elevated portion of the sheet, after which the user need merely close his thumb on his fingers to grasp the sheet and remove the same from the box. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides novel and highly efiicient means for dispensing facial tissues one at a time from a container or box in a simple continuous movement.

The dispenser shown in Figure 4 is substantially identical to the dispenser shown in Figures 1 to 3 with the exception that the top wall corner portions 34 have been omitted. In Figure 4, parts similar or identical to parts of the embodiment of the invention previously described are indicated by the same reference numerals with the sufiix a. With a relatively large movable fiap 36a, the top wall corner portions 34 may be conveniently omitted, since the gust or current of air produced by the flap 36a is sufficient to elevate the forward folded edge of the top tissue to provide the same operation and use as was described hereinbefore.

As pointed out, the dispenser of the present invention is preferably formed of paperboard so that tissues can be sold in the dispenser and the dispenser disposed of when the tissues have been used. However, the dispenser of the present invention may be made of plastic, metal, or like permanent materials and adapted to be repeatedly filled with tissues for use over long periods of time.

In the foregoing, I have referred to the various walls of the box as side, top, bottom,.front and back walls according to the showing thereof in the drawings, which relationship is preferred. However, it will be appreciated, that the box could be disposed in other positions. According'ly, the specific terms as util'ized herein, are to be regarded as 'mere'ly'defihitive of the particular relationship of the walls and'not as limitations upon the manner inwhich the box may be disposed. r

' While I have described what I regard to be preferredembodiments of my invention it'will be apparent that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appen m I claim:

1. A package for. dispensing sheet material, said pack e impr s ne a boxdik sonta n in opposite side walls/a stack of sheets in said container, each sheet having a fold disposed on its upper face and extending inward from one side wall of said'containerand toward the oth r side wall, and a flaphinged-at its outer edge to the top of said container, and otherwise free therefrom and normally held in raised position, said flap extending in a direction from said other side wall toward the free edge of said fold and spaced above the top sheet of said stack, the inner edge of said flap being in close proximity to but spaced outward from the vertical plane of the inner edge of said fold of said top sheet whereby said flap when swung downwardly blows a gust of air beneath said fold of said top sheet, said container having a top opening of substantial area extending from said one side wall thereof to the inner edge of said flap and overlying at least the midportion of said fold of said top sheet to avoid pocketing of said gust of air blown by said flap over said mid-portion of said fold and to accommodate upward displacement of said fold by said gust of air.

2. A package for dispensing sheet material, said package comprising a box-like container having opposite side walls, a stack of sheets in said con tainer, each sheet having a fold disposed on its upper face and extending inward from one side wall of said container, and a flap hinged at its outer edge to the top of said container and otherwise free therefrom and normally held in raised position, said flap extending in a direction from said other side wall toward the free edge of said fold and spaced above the top sheet of said stack, the inner edge of said flap being in close proximity to but spaced outward from the vertical plane of the inner edge of said fold of said top sheet whereby said flap when swung downwardly blows a gust of air beneath said fold of said top sheet, said container having a top opening of substantial area extending from said one side wall thereof to the inner edge of said flap and overlying at least the mid-portion of said fold of said top sheet to avoid pocketing of said gust of air blown by said flap over said mid-portion of said fold and to accommodate upward displacement thereof by said gust of air, said one side wall of said container having an openin of substantial area at the mid-portion of said stack constituting a continuation of said top opening to facilitate upward movement of said fold about the outer edge of said sheet.

3. A package for dispensing sheet material, said package comprising a box-like container having opposite side walls, a stack of sheets in said container, each sheet having a fold disposed on its upper face and extending inward from one side wall of said container to approximately the midwidth thereof, and a flap of substantially uniform width hinged at its outer edge to the upper edge of the opposite side wall of said container, said flap extending int; dlrectidn. fromsaid-opnii ite side wall toward the free edge of said fold and normally held in raised position spaced above. the top" sheet of said stack, said flap being of approx-.- imately the same length :as the interior; of said container and free from theend walls thereof for free swinging movement about. its hinge down: ward into said container and. upward to raised position, the-width of said-flap being approxie mately'one-half the width of said container: but less than the distance between the inner edge of the fold of the top sheet of the stack-and said opposite wall of thecontaineriwhereby said'fiap when swung downwardly blows a gust of air be? neath said fold: of said top sheet, said container having a top'opening of substantial area extends ing from said one sidewall to the inner edge of said flap and overlying atleast-the mid-portion of said fold toavoidpocketing of said gust of air blown by said flap over said mid-portion or said fold andto accommodate upward displacement thereof by said gust of air.

4. A package for dispensing sheet material, said package comprising a box-like container having opposite side walls, a stack of sheets in said container, each sheet having a fold disposed on its upper face and extendin inward from one side wall of said container to approximately the midwidth thereof, and a flap of substantially uniform width hinged at its outer edge to the upper edge of the opposite side wall of said container, said flap extending in a direction from said opposite side wall toward the free edge of said fold and normally held in raised position spaced above the top sheet of said stack, said flap being of approximately the same length as the interior of said container and free from the end walls thereof for free swinging movement about its hinge downward into said container and upward to raised position, the width of said flap being approximately one-half the width of said container but less than the distance between the inner edge of the fold of the top sheet of the stack and said opposite wall of the container whereby said flap when swung downwardly blows a gust of air beneath said fold of said top sheet, said container having a top opening of substantial area extending from said one side wall to the inner edge of said flap and overlying the mid-portion of said fold and top wall corner elements at the ends of said openin extending from said one side Wall to the inner edge of said flap and overlying the end portions of said fold of said top sheet, said opening accommodating outward movement beyond the top of said container of the fold of said top sheet by a gust of air incident to swinging of said flap downward into said container while avoidin pocketing over the fold of said gust of air and said top wall corner elements restraining the end portions of said fold against outward movement beyond the top of said container.

5. A package for dispensing sheet material, said package comprising a box-like container having opposite side walls, a stack of disconnected sheets in said container, each sheet having a fold disposed on its upper face and extending inward from one side wall of said container to approximately the mid-width thereof, and a flap of substantially uniform width hinged at its outer edge to the upper edge of the opposite side wall of said container, said flap extending in a direction from said opposite side wall toward the free edge of said fold and normally held in raised position spaced above the top sheet of said stack, said flap being of approximately the same length 7 as the interior of'said container and free from the end walls thereof for free swinging movement about its hinge downward into said container and upward to raised position, the width of saidflap being approximately one-half the width of said container but less than the distance between the inner edge of the fold of the top sheet of the stack and said opposite wall of .the container whereby said flap when swung downwardly blows a gust of air beneath said fold of said top sheet, said container having a top opening of substantial area extending from said one side wall to the inner edge of said flap and overlying the midportion of said fold and top wall corner elements at the endsooi said opening extending from said one side wall to the inner edge of said flap and overlying the end portions of said fold of said top sheet, said opening accommodating outward movement beyond the top of said container of the fold of said top sheet by a gust of air incident. to swinging of said flap downward into saidcontainer'whiie avoiding pocketing over the fold of said gust of' air and said top wall corner elements restraining the' end portions of said fold against outward movement beyond the top of said container, said one side wall of said container having an opening of substantial area at thejmid-portion of said stack constituting an extension of said top opening to facilitate upward movement of said fold about the outer edge of said sheet. I

JOSEPH w. FaY.

'References Cited in the file of" this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Lorrance Aug. 15, 1950 

